JP5372732B2 - Sample analyzer and sample rack transport method - Google Patents

Abstract

A sample processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of sample processing units, each processing a sample contained in a sample container; a transport apparatus that transports a sample rack holding a sample container to at least any one of the plurality of sample processing units; a rack feeding section that receives a sample rack and feeds the received sample rack to a transport line of the transport apparatus; and a controller capable of instructing the transport apparatus to transport a sample rack fed by the rack feeding section to (a) a sample processing unit which can accept a subsequent sample rack more rapidly than any other sample processing unit and (b) a sample processing unit having a lower processing load than any other sample processing unit. Also, a sample rack transporting method.

Description

  The present invention relates to a sample analyzer having a plurality of measurement units and a sample rack transport method for distributing and transporting sample racks to a plurality of measurement units.

  Currently, sample analyzers for processing clinical samples such as blood and urine are used in medical institutions such as hospitals. Some sample analyzers include a plurality of measurement units and a transport device for distributing and transporting sample racks to the plurality of measurement units in order to improve the processing capability.

  In such a sample analyzer, the measurement load tends to be concentrated on one measurement unit. When the measurement load is concentrated, a failure or trouble is likely to occur in the measurement unit. Therefore, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for equalizing the load of each measurement unit. That is, in Patent Document 1, it is determined whether the sample rack is to be transported to the most upstream measurement unit based on the current state of the load of each measurement unit, and thereby the measurement load in each measurement unit is made uniform.

JP 2000-88860 A

  According to the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, a transport operation for equalizing the load of the measurement unit is performed uniformly regardless of the reception status of the sample to be measured with respect to the sample measurement apparatus. However, when a large number of samples to be measured are received by the sample measuring apparatus or when the measurement is expected to be crowded, the speed of measurement is given priority over equalizing the load on each measurement unit. Is desirable.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sample analyzer and a sample rack transport method capable of avoiding concentration of a measurement load on a measurement unit while realizing smooth measurement of a sample. And

The sample analyzer according to the first aspect of the present invention distributes a plurality of measurement units that measure a sample contained in a sample container and a sample rack that holds the sample container to the plurality of measurement units and conveys the plurality of measurement units. A transfer unit that receives the sample rack to be measured, a rack sending unit that sends the received sample rack to the transfer path of the transfer device, and a cumulative value that reflects the total number of measurements for each of the plurality of measurement units A storage unit for storing the measurement load . Here, the sample analyzer, as the transport mode in the transport device, the first transport mode for transporting the sample rack to the measurement unit that can accept the next sample rack earlier than the other among the plurality of measurement units. When, and second conveying mode for conveying the sample rack the cumulative measured load than other of the plurality of the measurement unit is lower the measuring unit.

According to the sample analyzer of the present aspect, the first transport mode for transporting the sample rack to the measurement unit that can accept the next sample rack earlier than the other among the plurality of measurement units is prepared. If there are many sample racks received, setting this mode allows the sample measurement process to proceed smoothly. In addition, since the second transport mode for transporting the sample rack to the measurement unit having a lower cumulative measurement load reflecting the total number of measurements than the others among the plurality of measurement units is prepared, for example, it is accepted as a measurement target. When the sample racks are not crowded, the measurement load of each measurement unit can be made uniform by setting this mode.

The sample analyzer according to this aspect may further include a control unit that controls the transport device. The control unit sets the transport mode to the first transport mode when the sample racks received as measurement targets are crowded in the rack delivery unit, and the sample racks received as measurement targets are set to the racks. When it is not crowded in the sending section, the transport mode is set to the second transport mode.

According to this configuration, when the sample racks accepted as the measurement target are crowded in the rack delivery unit, the sample racks are transported to the measurement unit that can accept the next sample rack earlier than the others. For this reason, even if many specimens are received, the specimen measurement process can proceed smoothly. When the sample racks accepted as measurement targets are not crowded in the rack delivery unit, the sample racks are transported to a measurement unit having a lower cumulative measurement load than others. For this reason, the measurement load of each measurement unit can be made uniform.

  In addition, the sample analyzer according to this aspect may include a control unit that controls the transport device and a display unit. Here, the control unit causes the display unit to display a selection screen for accepting selection of whether to set the transfer mode of the transfer device to the first transfer mode or the second transfer mode. Based on the selection received via the selection screen, the transport mode of the transport device is set to the first transport mode or the second transport mode.

  According to this configuration, the operator arbitrarily sets the transport mode to either the first transport mode or the second transport mode based on the current reception status of the sample rack, future reception prediction, and the like. be able to. Accordingly, the first transport mode or the second transport mode is appropriately selected and set according to the state of the received sample rack, whereby the measurement load is concentrated on the measurement unit while realizing smooth measurement of the sample. Can be suppressed.

The sample analyzer according to the second aspect of the present invention distributes a plurality of measurement units for measuring a sample contained in a sample container and a sample rack holding the sample container to the plurality of measurement units and transports them. A transfer unit that receives the sample rack to be measured , a rack sending unit that sends the received sample rack to the transfer path of the transfer device, and a cumulative value that reflects the total number of measurements for each of the plurality of measurement units A storage unit that stores the measurement load and a control unit that controls the transport device are provided. Here, the control unit performs, as the control process, a first determination process for determining, as a transport destination of the sample rack, the measurement unit that can accept the next sample rack earlier than the other among the plurality of measurement units. A second determination process for determining the measurement unit having a lower cumulative measurement load than the others among the plurality of measurement units as a transport destination of the sample rack, and the sample rack received as a measurement target is sent to the rack A first transport process that transports the received sample rack to the measurement unit that has been transported by the first determination process, and the sample rack that is received as a measurement target. when not crowded in the rack delivery section, the measuring unit that is the transport destination by the second determination processing, the accepted And a second conveying process for conveying the serial sample rack.

According to the sample analyzer of this aspect, when sample racks received as measurement targets are crowded in the rack delivery unit, the sample racks are transported to a measurement unit that can receive the next sample rack earlier than others. . For this reason, even if many specimens are received, the specimen measurement process can proceed smoothly. Further, when the sample racks accepted as measurement targets are not crowded in the rack sending unit, the sample racks are transported to a measurement unit having a lower cumulative measurement load reflecting the total number of measurements than others. For this reason, the measurement load of each measurement unit can be made uniform.

The sample analyzer according to the present embodiment, when the sample rack which has been put before Symbol sample analyzer is not greater than the transmission interval of the transmission interval is a reference which is sent to the rack delivery section, the first conveying process , as the sample rack that has been received as the measurement object are crowded in the rack delivery section, the measuring unit that is the transport destination by the first determination processing, to send transportable said sample rack accepted shall Can be.

In addition, the rack delivery unit may include a storage unit that stores the sample rack before being sent to the transport path. In this case, when the number of the sample rack accommodated in the front Symbol accommodating portion is not less than the predetermined number, the first transportation process, the sample rack that has been accepted as a measurement target is in the rack delivery section crowded as being, the said measurement unit, which is the transport destination by the first determination processing, and conveys the sample rack that has been accepted, the number the number of predetermined said sample rack accommodated in the front Symbol housing part Is smaller than the second transport process, the sample rack received as a measurement target is not crowded in the rack sending unit, and the measurement unit that is the transport destination by the second determination process The received sample rack may be transported.

  The rack delivery unit may include a detection unit for detecting identification information of the sample rack. In this case, the detection interval by the detection unit may be the transmission interval.

  Thus, the degree of sample rack congestion is the sending interval at which the sample racks loaded into the sample analyzer are sent to the rack sending unit, the number of sample racks contained in the containing unit, It can be grasped based on the detection interval of the identification information by the detection unit.

In the sample analyzer according to this aspect, the control unit may include a time zone acquisition process for acquiring a time zone in which the degree of congestion of the sample rack in the rack delivery unit increases as the control process. In this case, when the current time is included in the time zone acquired by the time zone acquisition process, the second rack can be used even when the sample racks received as measurement targets are not crowded in the rack sending unit. The received sample rack may be transported to the measurement unit that has been transported by the first determination process without performing the transport process.

According to this configuration, even if it is determined that the sample racks are not crowded in the rack delivery unit, the next sample rack is earlier than the others in the time zone where the sample racks in the rack delivery unit may be crowded. Since the sample rack is transported to the measurement unit capable of receiving the sample rack, a smoother and more efficient transport operation of the sample rack can be realized.

  In the sample analyzer according to this aspect, each of the plurality of measurement units may include a receiving unit that receives the sample rack transported by the transport device. In this case, the first determination process may determine the measurement unit in which the sample rack does not exist in the receiving unit as the transport destination of the sample rack. According to this configuration, the sample rack can be transported to the measurement unit in an empty state.

In the sample analyzer according to this aspect, the control unit acquires, as a control process, a measurement number acquisition process for acquiring the number of measurements of the sample so far as the cumulative measurement load for each of the plurality of measurement units. Can be included. In this case, the second determination process may determine, as a transport destination of the sample rack, the measurement unit that has the smaller number of measurements than the others among the plurality of measurement units.

Further, in the sample analyzer according to this aspect, as a control process, the control unit calculates, as the cumulative measurement load, the number of sample racks that have been transported to the measurement unit so far for each of the plurality of measurement units. It may include a process for acquiring the number of transport racks to be acquired. In this case, the second determination process may determine the measurement unit having a smaller number of sample racks than the other among the plurality of measurement units as the transport destination of the sample rack.

As described above, the cumulative measurement load of the measurement unit can be grasped based on the number of times the sample has been measured so far and the number of sample racks transported so far. In addition, it is possible to grasp the cumulative measured load of the measuring unit on the basis of the remaining amount and consumption amount of reagent in the measurement unit. However, since the consumption of reagents are in a proportional relationship with the number of measurements of the sample, grasping cumulative measured load based on the consumption of reagents are intended to be included in the grasp of the cumulative measured load based on the number of measurements of the sample .

In the sample analyzer according to the third aspect of the present invention, a plurality of measurement units for measuring a sample accommodated in a sample container and a sample rack holding the sample container are distributed to the plurality of measurement units and conveyed. A transfer unit that receives the sample rack to be measured , a rack sending unit that sends the received sample rack to the transfer path of the transfer device, and a cumulative value that reflects the total number of measurements for each of the plurality of measurement units A storage unit that stores the measurement load and a control unit that controls the transport device are provided. Here, the control unit performs, as the control process, a first determination process for determining, as a transport destination of the sample rack, the measurement unit that can accept the next sample rack earlier than the other among the plurality of measurement units. The second determination process for determining the measurement unit having a lower cumulative measurement load than the others among the plurality of measurement units as the transport destination of the sample rack, and the degree of congestion of the sample rack in the rack delivery unit is high When the current time is included in the time zone acquisition process that acquires the time zone and the time zone acquired in the time zone acquisition process, the measurement unit that is the transport destination in the first determination process, When the current time is not included in the first transport process for transporting the accepted sample rack and the time zone acquired in the time zone acquisition process, the second determination process A measurement unit which is a Okusaki, and a second conveying process for conveying the sample rack that has been accepted.

According to the sample analyzer of the present aspect, the sample rack is transported to the measurement unit that can accept the next sample rack earlier than the other in the time zone in which the congestion state of the sample rack in the rack delivery unit is high. For this reason, it is possible to smoothly perform the sample measurement process in a time zone when the transport device is busy. In addition, the sample rack is transported to the measurement unit having a lower cumulative measurement load than the others at times other than the time zone in which the congestion state of the sample rack in the rack delivery unit is high. For this reason, the cumulative measurement load of each measurement unit can be made uniform.

A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a sample rack transport method for distributing and transporting sample racks holding sample containers to a plurality of measurement units. The sample rack transport method according to this aspect stores a cumulative measurement load that reflects the total number of measurements for each of the plurality of measurement units, and the sample racks received as measurement targets are crowded in the transport waiting area. When the sample rack is transported to the measurement unit capable of receiving the next sample rack earlier than the other among the plurality of measurement units, and the sample racks received as measurement targets are not crowded in the transport waiting area The sample rack is transported to the measurement unit having a lower cumulative measurement load than the others among the plurality of measurement units.

  According to this aspect, the same effect as in the second aspect can be achieved.

A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a sample rack transport method for distributing and transporting sample racks holding sample containers to a plurality of measurement units. The sample rack transport method according to this aspect stores a cumulative measurement load that reflects the total number of measurements for each of the plurality of measurement units, and obtains a time zone during which the sample rack is crowded in the transport waiting area. When the acquired time zone includes the current time, the received sample rack is transported to the measurement unit that can receive the next sample rack earlier than the others among the plurality of measurement units. When the acquired time zone does not include the current time, the received sample rack is transported to the measurement unit having a lower cumulative measurement load than the others among the plurality of measurement units.

  According to this aspect, the same effect as in the third aspect can be achieved.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sample analyzer and a sample rack transport method capable of avoiding concentration of a measurement load on a measurement unit while realizing smooth measurement of a sample.

  The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example when the present invention is implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

It is a figure showing composition of a sample analysis system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of a sample container and a sample rack. It is a top view which shows the structure of the sample insertion unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and a sample delivery unit. It is a top view which shows the structure of the sample conveyance unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the measurement unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the circuit structure of the sample insertion unit and sample output unit which concern on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the circuit structure of the sample conveyance unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment, a measurement unit, an information processing unit, and a conveyance controller. It is a figure which shows the total measurement frequency | count of the measurement unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and a figure which shows the total number of the sample rack conveyed to the measurement unit used instead of the measurement frequency which concerns on the example of a change of embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing control until a sample rack at a rear position of a sample loading unit according to the first embodiment is sent out toward a sample transport unit. 6 is a flowchart showing control until a sample rack at a rear position of a sample loading unit according to the first embodiment is sent out toward a sample transport unit. 6 is a flowchart showing control until a sample rack at a rear position of a sample loading unit according to the first embodiment is sent out toward a sample transport unit. 10 is a flowchart showing control until a sample rack at a rear position of a sample loading unit according to the second embodiment is sent out toward a sample transport unit. It is a figure which shows the statistical value about the congestion condition of the sample rack which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a sample analysis system for performing tests and analyzes relating to blood. The sample analysis system according to the present embodiment includes three measurement units and one smear preparation apparatus. In the three measurement units, blood analysis is performed in parallel, and when it is necessary to prepare a smear based on the analysis result, a smear preparation apparatus prepares a smear.

1. First Embodiment Hereinafter, a sample analysis system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration when the sample analysis system 1 is viewed from above. The sample analysis system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a sample collection unit 21, a sample input unit 22, a sample delivery unit 23, three sample transport units 3, a blood cell analyzer 4, a sample transport unit 5, and a coating. It is comprised from the droplet preparation apparatus 6 and the conveyance controller 7. FIG. The sample analysis system 1 of the present embodiment is connected to the host computer 8 through a communication network so as to be communicable.

  Each of the sample collection unit 21, the sample loading unit 22, and the sample delivery unit 23 is configured so that a plurality of sample racks can be placed thereon.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sample container T and the sample rack L. 2A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the sample container T, and FIG. 2B is a front view of the sample rack L. FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 5A, the sample container T is a tubular container made of translucent glass or synthetic resin, and has an upper end opened. A blood sample collected from the patient is housed inside, and the opening at the upper end is sealed by a lid CP. A barcode label BL1 is attached to the side surface of the sample container T. A barcode indicating the sample ID is printed on the barcode label BL1.

  Referring to FIG. 8B, the sample rack L is formed with ten holding positions so that ten sample containers T can be held in a vertical state (standing position). . A barcode label BL2 is attached to the front side of the sample rack L as shown in the figure. A barcode indicating the rack ID is printed on the barcode label BL2.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the sample collection unit 21 accommodates the sample rack L for which analysis has been completed. The sample insertion unit 22 stores the sample rack L input by the operator, and sends the stored sample rack L to the sample output unit 23. The sample recovery unit 21 and the sample input unit 22 are connected to the transport controller 7 so as to communicate with each other.

  In the sample delivery unit 23, the rack ID of the sample rack L delivered from the sample insertion unit 22 and the sample ID of the sample container T associated with the holding position of the sample rack L are read. The sample delivery unit 23 sends the sample rack L whose barcode has been read to the sample transport unit 3. The sample delivery unit 23 is communicably connected to the transport controller 7, and the rack ID and the sample ID read by the sample delivery unit 23 are transmitted to the transport controller 7. The configurations of the sample insertion unit 22 and the sample delivery unit 23 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The three sample transport units 3 are respectively disposed in front of the three measurement units 41 as shown in the figure. Two adjacent sample transport units 3 are connected to each other so that the sample rack L can be transferred. The right end of the right sample transport unit 3 is connected to the sample delivery unit 23 so that the sample rack L can be delivered, and the left end of the left sample transport unit 3 can deliver the sample rack L. Connected to the sample transport unit 5. The three sample transport units 3 are communicably connected to the information processing unit 42 and the transport controller 7, respectively.

  As shown in the figure, these three sample transport units 3 are divided into two types for transporting the sample rack L depending on whether or not the sample is measured in the corresponding measurement unit 41. Transport lines L1 and L2 are set. That is, when the sample is measured by the measurement unit 41, the sample rack L is transported along the transport line L1 indicated by the rear U-shaped arrow. When the measurement of the sample is not performed by the measurement unit 41, the sample rack L is transported along the transport line L2 indicated by the left-pointing arrow in the middle stage so as to skip the measurement unit 41.

  Further, the three sample transport units 3 are provided with a transport line L3 for transporting the sample rack L to the sample recovery unit 21 as shown in the figure. In other words, the sample rack L that has been measured or that has been prepared for a smear is transported along the transport line L3 indicated by the forward-pointing right arrow, and is recovered by the sample recovery unit 21. The configuration of the sample transport unit 3 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The blood cell analyzer 4 is an optical flow cytometry type multi-item blood cell analyzer, and includes three measurement units 41 and an information processing unit 42 . The information processing unit 42 is communicably connected to the three measurement units 41 and controls the operations of the three measurement units 41. The information processing unit 42 is also communicably connected to the three sample transport units 3.

  The three measurement units 41 measure the blood sample stored in the sample container T. That is, each of the three measurement units 41 extracts the sample container T from the sample rack L at a predetermined position on the transport line L1 of the sample transport unit 3 disposed in front. The blood sample stored in the sample container T is measured in the measurement unit 41. When the measurement in the measurement unit 41 is completed, the sample container T is returned to the holding position of the original sample rack L again. The configuration of the measurement unit 41 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The sample transport unit 5 is disposed in front of the smear preparation apparatus 6. Similarly to the sample transport unit 3, transport lines L1, L2, and L3 are set in the sample transport unit 5. The sample transport unit 5 is connected to the transport controller 7 so as to be communicable. Furthermore, the specimen transport unit 5 is connected to the smear preparation apparatus 6, and the smear preparation apparatus 6 is driven in response to an instruction from the specimen transport unit 5.

  In the smear preparation device 6, a smear sample of a blood sample is prepared. That is, first, the smear preparation apparatus 6 aspirates the blood sample stored in the sample container T at a predetermined position on the transfer line L1 of the sample transfer unit 5. Subsequently, the aspirated blood sample is dropped on the slide glass, thinly stretched on the slide glass, and dried. Thereafter, the staining liquid is supplied to the slide glass, whereby the blood on the slide glass is stained and a smear is prepared.

  Note that whether or not the smear preparation is necessary is determined by the transport controller 7 based on the analysis results of the three measurement units 41. As will be described later, the analysis result in each measurement unit 41 is transmitted to the transport controller 7 via the sample transport unit 3. When the transport controller 7 determines that the preparation of the smear is necessary, the sample rack L that stores the target sample is transported along the transport line L1 of the sample transport unit 5, and the smear preparation apparatus 6 A smear is made.

  The transport controller 7 is communicably connected to the sample recovery unit 21, the sample input unit 22, the sample delivery unit 23, the three sample transport units 3, and the sample transport unit 5, and controls the drive of each unit. To do. As the transport controller 7, for example, a separate personal computer or a computer incorporated in the system is used.

  When the transport controller 7 receives the rack ID of the sample rack L, the sample ID of the sample container T, and the holding position of the sample container T from the sample delivery unit 23, the transport controller 7 inquires of the host computer 8 about the measurement order. When receiving the measurement order from the host computer 8, the transport controller 7 stores the measurement order in association with the rack ID, the sample ID, and the holding position.

  Further, the transport controller 7 sets the sample rack L sent from the sample sending unit 23 to any one of the three measurement units 41 based on the time interval at which the sample rack L is sent from the sample loading unit 22 to the sample sending unit 23. Decide whether to transport to. The transport controller 7 transmits the stored measurement order to the sample transport unit 3 in front of the measurement unit 41 determined as the transport destination. The transport controller 7 controls each sample transport unit 3 to transport the sample rack L to the measurement unit 41 determined as the transport destination. The determination of the transport destination will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The host computer 8 is connected to a communication network and can communicate with the transport controller 7. The storage unit of the host computer 8 stores a measurement order. When the host computer 8 receives a measurement order including the sample ID from the transport controller 7, the host computer 8 reads out measurement data corresponding to the sample ID from the storage unit and transmits it to the transport controller 7.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration when the sample insertion unit 22 and the sample delivery unit 23 are viewed from above. In addition, in the same figure, illustration is abbreviate | omitted about the part which conveys the sample rack L rightward along the conveyance line L3.

  When the sample rack L is loaded on the transport path 221 of the sample loading unit 22, the rack feeding mechanism 222 moves rearward while being engaged with the front end of the sample rack L, and the sample rack L is behind the transport path 221. It is sent to a position (hereinafter referred to as “position P1”). When the sample rack L is positioned at the position P1, the rack delivery mechanism 223 is driven leftward. As a result, the sample rack L is delivered from the position P1 to the rear position of the transport path 231 of the rack delivery unit 23 (hereinafter referred to as “position P2”). The reflective sensor 232 can detect whether or not the sample rack L is positioned at the position P2.

  For the sample rack L positioned at the position P2, the barcode reading unit 233 reads the sample ID of the sample container T in association with the rack ID of the sample rack L and the holding position of the sample rack L. The sample rack L for which barcode reading has been completed at the position P2 is sent to a position (hereinafter referred to as “position P3”) that has been moved forward from the position P2 by the width in the front-rear direction of the sample rack L by the rack feeding mechanism 234. It is done. Thereby, even when there is a subsequent sample rack L at the position P1, the sample rack L can be quickly sent to the position P2.

  Subsequently, the sample rack L positioned at the position P3 moves forward with the rack feeding mechanism 235 engaged with the rear end of the sample rack L, so that the front position (hereinafter referred to as “position”) of the transport path 231 is reached. P4 "). Here, a contact-type sensor 236 is disposed on the front wall of the transport path 231. When there are already a plurality of sample racks L behind the position P4, the sample rack L sent forward by the rack feeding mechanism 235 is pressed against the last sample rack L of the plurality of sample racks L. Thereby, it can be seen that the front side surface of the sample rack L at the position P4 is pressed against the sensor 236, and the feeding by the rack feeding mechanism 235 is completed. The rack feeding mechanism 235 that has finished feeding is returned backward from the position at which feeding has ended.

  The sample rack L positioned at the position P4 is sent leftward (sample transport unit 3 side) by the rack sending mechanism 237. At this time, the barcode label BL2 of the sample rack L is read by the barcode reading unit 238.

  Note that the sample input unit 22 and the sample output unit 23 are provided with rack input mechanisms 222, 234, 235 and stepping motors (not shown) for driving the rack output mechanisms 223, 237, respectively. In addition, the sample insertion unit 22 is provided with a sensor (not shown) for detecting the position of the sample rack L on the transport path 221 at a corresponding position.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration when the sample transport unit 3 is viewed from above. The sample transport unit 3 includes a pre-analysis rack holding unit 310, a rack transport unit 320, a post-analysis rack holding unit 330, and rack transport units 340 and 350.

  When measurement is not performed on the sample rack L, the sample rack L is linearly sent along the transport line L2 from the right end to the left end of the rack transport unit 340 by the belts 341a and 341b of the rack transport unit 340.

  When measurement is performed on the sample rack L, the sample rack L is sent to the right end position of the rack transport unit 340 indicated by the broken line in the lower right of FIG. That is, the reflection type sensor 342 shown in the drawing detects that the sample rack L has been transported to the position of the broken line at the lower right of the drawing. At this timing, the belt 341a is stopped. Thereafter, the rack pushing mechanism 343 moves rearward, so that the sample rack L is pushed out to the front end of the transport path 311 of the pre-analysis rack holding unit 310. When the sample rack L on the transport path 311 is detected by the optical sensors 312a and 312b including the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, the rack feeding mechanism 313 is engaged with the front end of the sample rack L in the rearward direction. The sample rack L is moved backward. Thus, when the sample rack L is sent to the right end position of the rack transport unit 320, the belts 321a and 321b are driven, and the sample rack L is sent leftward.

  Thereafter, the sample rack L reaches the position of the sample container sensor 322. The sample container sensor 322 is a contact type sensor. When the sample container T to be detected held in the sample rack L passes directly below the sample container sensor 322, the contact piece of the sample container sensor 322 is bent by the detection container T, and the presence of the sample container T is detected. The

  At the sample supply position that is two sample containers on the left side of the detection position of the sample container T by the sample container sensor 322, the hand unit of the measurement unit 41 described later holds the sample container T and removes the sample container T from the sample rack L. Take out. The sample container T taken out is used for measurement in the measurement unit 41 and then returned to the sample rack L again. Until the sample container T is returned to the sample rack L, the transport of the sample rack L is on standby.

  In this way, when the measurement for all the sample containers T held in the sample rack L is completed, the sample rack L is sent to the left end position of the rack transporter 320 indicated by the broken line in the drawing by the belts 321a and 321b. The driving of the belts 321a and 321b is stopped. Thereafter, the sample rack L is sent to the rear end of the transport path 331 of the post-analysis rack holding unit 330 by the rack pushing mechanism 323. When the sample rack L on the transport path 331 is detected by the optical sensors 332a and 332b including the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, the rack feeding mechanism 333 is engaged with the rear end of the sample rack L in the front. The sample rack L is sent forward. At this time, the partition 360 in front of the post-analysis rack holder 330 and between the rack transporters 340 and 350 is controlled to be opened and closed, and the sample rack L is positioned in one of the rack transporters 340 and 350. .

  As a result of the measurement by the measurement unit 41, when it is determined that any sample container T held in the sample rack L needs to be prepared by the smear preparation device 6 on the downstream side, The sample rack L is moved to the left end position of the rack transport unit 340 by the rack feeding mechanism 333 while the rack transport units 340 and 350 are partitioned by the unit 360. Thereafter, the sample rack L is sent to the downstream sample transport unit by the belt 341b of the rack transport unit 340.

  On the other hand, as a result of the measurement by the measurement unit 41, regarding the sample container T held in the sample rack L, it is determined that it is not necessary to prepare a smear by the smear preparation device 6 on the downstream side. The upper surface of the partition unit 360 is lowered to the same height as the upper surface of the belt 341b of the rack transport unit 340, and the sample rack L is moved to the left end position of the rack transport unit 350 by the rack feeding mechanism 333. Thus, the sample rack L is moved from the post-analysis rack holding unit 330 across the rack transport unit 340 to the left end position of the rack transport unit 350 indicated by a broken line in the lower left of FIG. Thereafter, the sample rack L is moved rightward along the transport line L3 by the belt 351 of the rack transport unit 350. Thus, the sample rack L transported along the transport line L3 is accommodated in the sample recovery unit 21.

  The sample transport unit 3 includes a rack pushing mechanism 343, 323, a rack feeding mechanism 313, 333, a belt 321a, 321b, 341a, 341b, 351, and a stepping motor for driving the partition part 360, respectively. (Not shown). The sample transport unit 3 includes sensors 342, 312a, 312b, 332a, 332b, a sample container sensor 322, and a sensor (not shown) for detecting the position of the sample rack L on the transport path. It is arranged in the corresponding position.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration when the measurement unit 41 is viewed from the upper side. The measurement unit 41 includes a sample container transport unit 411, a barcode reading unit 412, a sample suction unit 413, a sample adjustment unit 414, and a detection unit 415.

  The sample container transport unit 411 includes a hand unit 411a and a sample container setting unit 411b. The hand unit 411a holds the sample container T positioned at the sample supply position, and extracts the sample container T from the sample rack L upward. The extracted sample container T is stirred by the hand unit 411a and then set in the sample container setting unit 411b. For the sample container T set in the sample container setting unit 411b, the barcode label BL1 attached to the sample container T is read by the barcode reading unit 412 at the barcode reading position. Thereafter, the sample container T is positioned at the sample aspirating position directly below the sample aspirating unit 413 by moving the sample container setting unit 411b rearward. The sample suction unit 413 sucks the sample in the sample container T positioned at the sample suction position. Thereafter, the sample container T is returned along the original path and returned to the holding position of the original sample rack L.

  The sample adjustment unit 414 includes a plurality of reaction chambers (not shown). The sample adjustment unit 414 is connected to the reagent containers 414a to 414c, and can supply the staining reagent in the reagent container 414a, the hemolytic agent in the reagent container 414b, and the diluted solution in the reagent container 414c to the reaction chamber. The sample adjustment unit 414 is also connected to the sample aspirating unit 413, and can supply the blood sample aspirated by the sample aspirating unit 413 to the reaction chamber. Further, the sample adjustment unit 414 mixes and stirs the specimen and the reagent in the reaction chamber, and prepares a sample for measurement by the detection unit 415.

  The detection unit 415 measures the sample prepared by the reagent preparation unit 414. The measurement data obtained by such measurement is analyzed by the information processing unit 42.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of the circuit configuration of the sample input unit 22 and the sample output unit 23.

  The sample insertion unit 22 includes a communication unit 220, a control unit 224, a sensor unit 225, and a drive unit 226. The communication unit 220 performs data communication with the transport controller 7. The control unit 224 includes a CPU 224a and a storage unit 224b. The CPU 224 a executes the computer program stored in the storage unit 224 b and controls each unit according to the control unit of the transport controller 7. The storage unit 224b includes storage means such as a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk.

  The sensor unit 225 includes a sensor for detecting the position of the sample rack L on the transport path 221. The drive unit 226 includes the rack feed mechanism 222, the rack feed mechanism 223, and a stepping motor that drives each of the mechanisms.

  The sample delivery unit 23 includes a communication unit 230, barcode reading units 233 and 238, a control unit 240, a sensor unit 241, and a drive unit 242. The communication unit 230 performs data communication with the transport controller 7. The control unit 240 includes a CPU 240a and a storage unit 240b. The CPU 240 a executes the computer program stored in the storage unit 240 b and controls each unit according to the control unit of the transport controller 7. The storage unit 240b includes storage means such as a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk.

  The rack ID of the sample rack L read by the barcode reading unit 233 and the sample ID of the sample container T associated with the holding position of the sample rack L are transmitted to the transport controller 7 via the control unit 240. Further, the rack ID of the sample rack L read by the barcode reading unit 238 is also transmitted to the transport controller 7 via the control unit 240.

  The sensor unit 241 includes the above-described sensors 232 and 236, and a detection signal of the sensor unit 241 is output to the control unit 240. The drive unit 242 includes the above-described rack feeding mechanisms 234 and 235, a rack sending mechanism 237, and stepping motors that drive these mechanisms.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of the circuit configuration of the sample transport unit 3, the measurement unit 41, the information processing unit 42, and the transport controller 7. In the figure, for convenience, only one sample transport unit 3 and one measurement unit 41 are shown, but the other sample transport units 3 and measurement units 41 are configured similarly.

  The sample transport unit 3 includes communication units 301 and 305, a control unit 302, sensor units 303 and 306, and drive units 304 and 307.

  The driving unit 307 transports the sample rack L in a section from when the sample rack L is pushed into the pre-analysis rack holding unit 310 to when it is pushed out to the post-analysis rack holding unit 330 in FIG. Sensors in this section are included in the sensor unit 306, and outputs from these sensors are supplied to the information processing unit 42. The driving unit 304 transports the sample rack L in a section other than the transport section by the driving unit 307. Sensors in this section are included in the sensor unit 303, and outputs from these sensors are supplied to the transport controller 7.

The communication unit 301 performs data communication between the transport controller 7 and the information processing unit 42. The control unit 302 includes a CPU 302a and a storage unit 302b. The CPU 302 a executes the computer program stored in the storage unit 302 b and controls the drive unit 304 according to control from the control unit 702 of the transport controller 7. The storage unit 302b includes storage means such as a ROM and a RAM. The storage unit 302b stores the total number of measurements performed so far by the measurement unit 41 corresponding to the sample transport unit 3. The storage unit 302b is also used as a work area for the CPU 302a.

  Here, the total number of measurements stored in the storage unit 302b will be described.

  FIG. 8A is a diagram showing the total number of measurements of the measurement unit 41 stored in the storage unit 302 b of the sample transport unit 3. In FIG. 2A, sample transport units (1) to (3) represent the left, center, and right sample transport units 3 among the three sample transport units 3, respectively.

  As illustrated, the storage units 302b of the sample transport units (1) to (3) store N1, N2, and N3 as the total number of measurements of the corresponding measurement unit 41, respectively. The total number of measurements is updated at the timing when the measurement of the sample is completed by the corresponding measurement unit 41. That is, the information processing unit 42 notifies the corresponding sample transport unit 3 when the measurement of the sample is completed by the measurement unit 41 and the measurement result of the sample is received. When receiving the notification, the CPU 302a of the sample transport unit 3 adds one to the total number of measurements stored in the storage unit 302b.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the sensor unit 303 includes the above-described sensor 342 and 332 a and 332 b, and the detection signal of the sensor unit 303 is output to the control unit 302. The drive unit 304 includes the rack push-out mechanism 343, the rack feed mechanism 333, the belts 341a, 341b, and 351, the lifting mechanism that moves the partition unit 360 up and down, and the stepping motor that drives each of these mechanisms. Yes.

  The communication unit 305 performs data communication with the information processing unit 42. The sensor unit 306 includes the above-described sensors 312 a and 312 b and the sample container sensor 322, and a detection signal of the sensor unit 306 is transmitted to the information processing unit 42 via the communication unit 305. The drive unit 307 includes a rack pushing mechanism 323, a rack feeding mechanism 313, belts 321a and 321b, and stepping motors that drive these mechanisms. Each unit of the drive unit 307 is directly controlled by the control unit 422 of the information processing unit 42.

  When the detection signals of the sensors 312 a and 312 b in the sensor unit 306 are transmitted to the information processing unit 42, the information processing unit 42 sends the control unit 302 via the communication unit 301 of the corresponding sample transport unit 3. Send a detection signal. Accordingly, when the CPU 702a of the transport controller 7 inquires of each sample transport unit 3 about the presence or absence of detection by the sensors 312a and 312b, the control unit 302 of each sample transport unit 3 transmits the information from the information processing unit 42. Based on the detected signal, the presence or absence of detection by the sensors 312a and 312b is transmitted to the transport controller 7.

  The measurement unit 41 includes a communication unit 410, a sample container transport unit 411, a barcode reading unit 412, a sample suction unit 413, a sample adjustment unit 414, and a detection unit 415. Each unit of the measurement unit 41 is directly controlled by the control unit 422 of the information processing unit 42.

  The information processing unit 42 includes a communication unit 421 and a control unit 422. In addition, the information processing unit 42 includes an interface for outputting video, an interface for inputting from a keyboard, and a reading device such as a CD drive or a DVD drive. However, the description thereof is omitted here. .

  The communication unit 421 performs data communication between the communication units 301 and 305 of the sample transport unit 3 and the communication unit 410 of the measurement unit 41. The control unit 422 includes a CPU 422a and a storage unit 422b. The CPU 422a executes a computer program stored in the storage unit 422b. The storage unit 422b includes storage means such as a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk.

  The CPU 422a performs blood analysis based on the measurement result (particle data) received from the measurement unit 41, and displays the analysis result on a display unit (not shown). Further, the CPU 422 a transmits the analysis result to the transport controller 7 through the sample transport unit 3.

  The transport controller 7 includes a communication unit 701 and a control unit 702. In addition, the transport controller 7 includes an interface for outputting video, an interface for inputting from a keyboard, and a reading device such as a CD drive or a DVD drive.

  The communication unit 701 performs data communication among the sample insertion unit 22, the sample delivery unit 23, and the three sample transport units 3. The control unit 702 includes a CPU 702a and a storage unit 702b. The CPU 702a executes a computer program stored in the storage unit 702b. The storage unit 702b includes storage means such as a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk.

  The CPU 702a drives and controls the sample insertion unit 22, the sample delivery unit 23, and the three sample transport units 3 according to the computer program. Further, the CPU 702a receives the total number of measurements of each measurement unit 41 from the storage unit 302b of the corresponding sample transport unit 3. The total number of measurements received by each measurement unit 41 is stored for each measurement unit 41 in the storage unit 702b as shown in FIG.

  Further, the CPU 702a controls the drive unit 226 of the sample input unit 22 and the drive unit 242 of the sample output unit 23 based on detection signals from the sensor unit 225 of the sample input unit 22 and the sensor unit 241 of the sample output unit 23. . The CPU 702 a controls the drive unit 304 of the sample transport unit 3 based on the detection signal from the sensor unit 303 of the sample transport unit 3. The CPU 702a determines whether it is necessary to prepare a smear based on the analysis result of the sample received from the information processing unit 42 via the sample transport unit 3.

  In addition, the sample transport unit 5 (not shown) has the same configuration as the sample transport unit 3. The sample transport unit 5 controls the drive unit of the sample transport unit 5 according to an instruction from the transport controller 7, and the smear preparation apparatus 6 (not shown) is driven according to the instruction from the sample transport unit 5.

  9 to 12 are flowcharts showing the control until the sample rack L at the position P1 in FIG. 3 is sent out toward the sample transport unit 3.

  The following control is performed by the CPU 702a of the transport controller 7. Also, the P2 flag to P4 flag used in the following flowcharts indicate whether or not there is a sample rack L at positions P2 to P4 in FIG. That is, when the values of the P2 flag to the P4 flag are each 0, it indicates that the sample rack L is not positioned at the positions P2 to P4, and when the values of the P2 flag to the P4 flag are 1, respectively, the positions P2 to P4. P4 indicates that the sample rack L is positioned. The initial values of the P2 flag to P4 flag are 0, and the P2 flag to P4 flag are stored in the storage unit 702b of the transport controller 7.

  FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing the control for sending the sample rack L at the position P1 to the position P2.

  When it is determined that there is a sample rack L at the position P1 (S101: YES) and it is determined that the value of the P2 flag is 0 (S102: YES), the CPU 702a of the transport controller 7 determines the sample rack L at the position P1. Is delivered to the position P2 by driving the rack delivery mechanism 223 (S103). At this time, the CPU 702a acquires the time when the sample rack L starts to be sent from the position P1 to the position P2 (S104), and stores it in the storage unit 702b.

  Next, the CPU 702a obtains a difference between the time when the previous sample rack L starts to be sent from the position P1 to the position P2 and the time acquired this time in S104 (hereinafter referred to as “delivery interval”). Then, it is determined whether the transmission interval is larger than Tmin (S106). Here, Tmin is a sending interval when the sample rack L is continuously sent from the position P1 to the position P2 when there is no sample rack L on the transport path 231 of the sample sending unit 23. That is, Tmin is a value when the transmission interval is the smallest.

  If it is determined that the transmission interval is greater than Tmin (S106: YES), 0 is set in the transmission interval flag (S107), and if it is determined that the transmission interval is not greater than Tmin, that is, the transmission interval is equal to Tmin (S106). : NO), 1 is set to the transmission interval flag. The sending interval flag is stored in the storage unit 702b of the transport controller 7, and the initial value is zero. When the previous sample rack L does not exist, that is, when the sample rack L sent out this time is the sample rack L sent out first, it is determined YES in S106.

  Here, as a state in which the delivery interval becomes larger than Tmin, when the time interval in which the sample rack L is introduced into the sample insertion unit 22 is long, or the movement of the sample rack L on the transport path 231 of the sample delivery unit 23 is delayed. And when there is a waiting time in the sample rack L sent from the position P1 toward the position P2.

  Next, at the position P2, the barcode reading unit 233 reads the rack ID of the sample rack L and the sample ID of the sample container T associated with the holding position of the sample rack L (S109), and the P2 flag is set to 1. Is set (S110). When the process of S109 ends, the process returns to S101.

  FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing control in which the sample rack L at the position P2 is sent to the position P3.

  When it is determined that the value of the P2 flag is 1 (S201: YES) and the value of the P3 flag is determined to be 0 (S202: YES), the CPU 702a of the transport controller 7 determines the sample rack L at the position P2. Is moved to the position P3 by driving the rack feeding mechanism 234 (S203). Further, the CPU 702a sets 0 to the P2 flag (S204) and sets 1 to the P3 flag (S205). When the process of S205 ends, the process returns to S201.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing control in which the sample rack L at the position P3 is sent in the direction of the position P4.

  When it is determined that the P3 flag is 1 (S301: YES) and the value of the P4 flag is determined to be 0 (S302: YES), the CPU 702a of the transport controller 7 moves the sample rack L at the position P3. The rack feed mechanism 235 is driven to move in the direction of the position P4 (S303). At this time, 0 is set to the P3 flag (S304).

  When the sample rack L is moved in the direction of the position P4, as described above, when the sensor 236 detects that the front side surface of the sample rack L at the position P4 is in contact with the sensor 236 (S305: YES). , 1 is set to the P4 flag (S306). Thus, the sample rack L sent forward is located at the position P4 when there is no sample rack L between the sample rack L and the position P4, and one or more sample racks between the sample rack L and the position P4. When L is present, it is positioned behind the last sample rack L.

  Next, the rack feeding mechanism 235 that has finished feeding the sample rack L starts to move backward so as to return to the position P3 (S307). At this time, the number of pulses applied to the stepping motor that drives the rack feeding mechanism 235 is counted (S308). If it is determined that the movement of the rack feeding mechanism 235 to the position P3 is completed (S309: YES), it is determined whether the counted number of pulses is equal to or less than Pc (S310). Pc is set to the number of pulses counted when the rack feeding mechanism returns to P3 from a predetermined position between the positions P3 and P4.

  Here, when the counted number of pulses is equal to or less than Pc (S310: YES), there are a plurality of sample racks L behind the position P4 on the transport path 231, and the last sample rack L is positioned at the position P3. It shows that the position is closer to the position P3 than the predetermined position between P4. On the other hand, when the counted number of pulses is larger than Pc (S310: NO), even when there are a plurality of sample racks L behind the position P4 on the transport path 231, the last sample rack L is located at the position P3. It shows that the position is closer to the position P4 than the predetermined position between the positions P4. That is, when it is determined whether the counted number of pulses is equal to or less than Pc, it can be seen how many sample racks L are arranged on the transport path 231.

  If it is determined that the counted number of pulses is equal to or less than Pc (P310: YES), the full flag is set to 1 assuming that the number of sample racks L arranged rearward from the position P4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number ( S311). On the other hand, when it is determined that the counted number of pulses is larger than Pc (P310: NO), the full flag is set to 0, assuming that the number of sample racks L arranged rearward from the position P4 is smaller than a predetermined number. (S312). The full flag is stored in the storage unit 702b of the transport controller 7, and the initial value is zero. When the process of S311 or S312 ends, the process returns to S301.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing control in which the sample rack L at the position P4 is sent out toward the sample transport unit 3.

  If it is determined that the P4 flag is 1 (S401: YES), the CPU 702a of the transport controller 7 determines whether the sending interval flag is 0 (S402). If it is determined that the sending interval flag is 0 (S402: YES), the CPU 702a next determines whether the full flag is 0 (S403).

  If it is determined that the full flag is 0 (S403: YES), the CPU 702a performs the measurement with the smallest total number of measurements based on the total number of measurements stored in the memory 702b illustrated in FIG. The unit 41 is acquired (S404). Subsequently, the CPU 702a determines whether the measurement unit 41 with the smallest total number of measurements acquired in S404 can accept the sample rack L (S405). In the present embodiment, when there is no sample rack L in the pre-analysis rack holder 310 of the sample transport unit 3 corresponding to the measurement unit 41, it is assumed that the measurement unit 41 can receive the sample rack L. Further, as described above, this confirmation is performed by the CPU 702a inquiring each sample transport unit 3 about the presence or absence of detection by the sensors 312a and 312b.

  If it is determined that the measurement unit 41 with the smallest number of measurements cannot receive the sample rack L (S405: NO), the process waits until it is determined that the measurement unit 41 can receive the sample rack L. When it is determined that the measurement unit 41 with the smallest number of measurements can receive the sample rack L (S405: YES), the CPU 702a determines the measurement unit 41 as a transport destination (S406). When the measurement units 41 having the same total number of measurements can receive the sample rack L, the measurement unit 41 on the downstream side (left side) of these measurement units 41 is determined as the transport destination.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the sending interval flag is not 0 (S402: NO), or when it is determined that the full flag is not 0 (S403: NO), the CPU 702a determines the acceptance status of the sample rack L for each measurement unit 41. Confirm (S407). If it is determined that all the measurement units 41 cannot accept the sample rack L (S408: NO), the process returns to S407. If it is determined that any of the measurement units 41 can receive the sample rack L (S408: YES), the CPU 702a determines the measurement unit 41 that has been confirmed to be able to receive the sample rack L in S407 as a transport destination ( S409). When there are a plurality of measurement units 41 that can receive the sample rack L, the measurement unit 41 on the downstream side (left side) of these measurement units 41 is determined as the transport destination.

  Next, the CPU 702a transports the sample rack L to the measurement unit 41 determined as the transport destination in S406 or S409 (S410). That is, first, the sample rack L at the position P4 is sent leftward from the sample sending unit 23 by the rack sending mechanism 237. Then, this sample rack L is stored in the pre-analysis rack holding unit 310 of the sample transport unit 3 corresponding to the measurement unit 41 so that the measurement is performed by the measurement unit 41 determined as the transport destination in S406 or S409. The sample rack L is transported.

  Subsequently, the CPU 702a sets 0 to the P4 flag (S411). When the process of S411 ends, the process returns to S401.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the sample racks L to be measured are not crowded unless the delivery interval is larger than Tmin and the number of sample racks L behind the position P4 of the sample delivery unit 23 is less than a predetermined number. The sample rack L delivered from the sample delivery unit 23 is transported to the measurement unit 41 having a low measurement load, that is, the measurement unit 41 having the smallest total number of measurements. Thereby, since the total number of measurements of the three measurement units 41 becomes substantially the same, the measurement load of each measurement unit 41 can be made uniform. Therefore, since the consumption of parts and the like of each measurement unit 41 is approximately the same, maintenance of each measurement unit 41 can be performed at the same time, and the amount of work required for maintenance can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the case where the delivery interval matches Tmin, if the delivery interval is larger than Tmin and there are a predetermined number or more of sample racks L behind the position P4 of the sample delivery unit 23, Assuming that the sample racks L to be measured are crowded, the sample rack L sent from the sample sending unit 23 is transported to the measuring unit 41 that can receive the sample rack L. As a result, even when a large number of sample racks L are received in the sample analysis system 1, the sample measurement process can proceed smoothly.

2. Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the measurement unit that transports the sample rack L is determined based on the sending interval flag and the full flag. However, in this embodiment, the sample rack L is further congested. Statistic values are taken into account.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing control in which the sample rack L at the position P4 is sent out toward the sample transport unit 3. In FIG. 12, S421 and S422 are added to the flowchart of FIG. Only the added processes S421 and S422 will be described below.

  If it is determined that the full flag is 0 (S403: YES), the CPU 702a of the transport controller 7 acquires the current date and time (S421). Subsequently, the CPU 702a determines whether or not the current date and time acquired in S421 is a time zone in which the sample rack L is not crowded based on the statistical value regarding the degree of congestion (S422). If it is determined that the current date / time is not mixed (S422: YES), the process proceeds to S404. If it is determined that the current date / time is mixed (S422: NO), the process proceeds to S407. Processing proceeds.

  Here, the statistical value about the degree of congestion used in S422 will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating statistical values regarding the degree of congestion of the sample rack L. In the figure, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the number of measurements per hour performed by three measurement units 41. For convenience, only the statistical values for Monday and Wednesday are shown in FIG.

  The statistical value about the degree of congestion of the sample rack L shown in the figure is obtained by the following procedure.

  First, the transport controller 7 acquires the number of measurements of the three measurement units 41 every 30 minutes in the usage time range of the sample analysis system 1 (19:00 to 5 in the same figure), and thereby, per hour. Calculate the number of measurements. The number of measurements per hour is stored in the storage unit 702b of the transport controller 7. In the present embodiment, the maximum value of the number of measurements per hour by the three measurement units 41 (hereinafter referred to as “maximum number of measurements”) is 300.

  The transport controller 7 stores the transition of the number of measurements per hour in the storage unit 702b for each day of the week, and further averages the transition of each day of the week stored for a predetermined number of days for each day of the week. In this way, the transport controller 7 acquires a statistical value for the degree of congestion as shown in FIG.

  Referring to the statistics on Monday's congestion in the figure, the time is between 19:00 and 21:30 (section A in the figure) and the time is between 23:00 and 5:00 (section C in the figure) The number of measurements per hour is smaller than the maximum number of measurements. Thereby, it can be seen that in the sections A and C, the three measurement units 41 are not always in a state of performing measurement (a state in which the sample racks L are crowded). On the other hand, when the time is between 21:30 and 23:00 (section B in the figure), the number of measurements per hour is the maximum number of measurements. Thereby, it can be seen that in the section B, the three measurement units 41 are always in a state of measurement (a state in which the sample racks L are crowded).

  In the present embodiment, for example, on Monday, in addition to the time zone in which the number of measurements per hour is the maximum number of measurements (section B in the figure), the time until the number of measurements per hour reaches the maximum number of measurements. The band (section A in the figure) is also a time zone in which the three measurement units 41 can always perform measurement (the sample rack L is crowded). The reason why not only the section B but also the section A is included as a time zone in which the sample racks L may be crowded on Monday is as follows.

  In the section A, the three measurement units 41 are not always in the state of performing the measurement, but when the current time reaches the section B, the three measurement units 41 are always in the state of performing the measurement. Very likely. Therefore, in the section A as the time zone in which the sample racks L are crowded, as shown in S407 to S409 in FIG. Sometimes measurements can be made more smoothly.

  Note that on Wednesdays, the number of measurements per hour may not be the maximum number of measurements, so the time zone in which the sample racks L are crowded is not set.

  Returning to FIG. 12, in S422, it is determined whether the current day of the week and the time zone are a time zone in which the sample racks L are not mixed as described in FIG. For example, assuming that the current day of the week is Monday, if the current time is included in the section A or B, YES is determined in S422, and if the current time is included in the section C, NO is determined in S422. If the current day of the week is Wednesday, it is determined YES in S422 regardless of which section contains the current time.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, even if it is determined YES in S402 and S403, if it is determined that the current date is included in the time zone in which the sample rack L is crowded, the sample rack L is The sample rack L is transported to the measurement unit 41 that can receive the sample rack L regardless of the number of measurements. Thereby, smoother and more efficient transport operation of the sample rack L can be realized.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, embodiment of this invention is not limited to these.

  For example, in the above embodiment, blood is exemplified as a measurement target, but urine may also be a measurement target. That is, the present invention can be applied to a sample processing apparatus that tests urine, and further, the present invention can be applied to a clinical sample testing apparatus that tests other clinical samples.

  In the above embodiment, the sample rack L is transported to the measurement unit 41 having the smallest number of measurements. However, the sample rack L is placed in the measurement unit 41 having the smaller number of measurements than any other measurement unit 41. May be conveyed.

  In the above embodiment, the sample rack L is transported to the measurement unit 41 having the smallest number of measurements. However, the sample rack L transported to the measurement unit 41 has the smallest total number of sample racks. The rack L may be transported.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the total number of sample racks L transported to the measurement unit 41. The total number is stored in the storage unit 302b of each sample transport unit 3 and the storage unit 702b of the transport controller 7. In this case, the sample rack L may be transported to the measurement unit 41 in which the total number of sample racks L transported to the measurement unit 41 is smaller than any of the other measurement units 41.

  Further, in this case, as shown in FIG. 8C, the total number of measurements of the measurement unit 41 and the total number of sample racks L transported to the measurement unit 41 may be stored. In this case, first, the sample rack L is transported to the measurement unit 41 having a small total number of measurements of the measurement unit 41. If the total number of measurements of the measurement unit 41 is the same, the sample rack L is transported to the measurement unit 41. The sample rack L may be transported to the measurement unit 41 having a small total number of sample racks L. Alternatively, the sample rack L may be transported to the measurement unit 41 having a small total number of sample racks L transported to the measurement unit 41, and the total number of sample racks L transported to the measurement unit 41 may be the same. For example, the sample rack L may be transported to the measurement unit 41 that has a small total number of measurements. Alternatively, the weighting α multiplied by the number of measurements of the measurement unit 41 and the weighting β multiplied by the total number of sample racks L transported to the measurement unit 41 are used. Thereby, for the measurement units (1) to (3), the measurement unit 41 having the smallest value among (αN1 + βM1), (αN2 + βM2), and (αN3 + βM3) may be determined as the transport destination. .

  Further, in the above embodiment, the measurement unit 41 as the transport destination is determined based on the sending interval flag and the full flag. However, a sample is placed in the sample insertion unit 22 by arranging a sensor in the sample insertion unit 22. Based on the time interval of the rack L, the measurement unit 41 to be the transfer destination may be determined. That is, when the time interval of the sample rack L loaded into the sample loading unit 22 is larger than a predetermined value, the three measurement units 41 do not always need to perform measurement, that is, the sample rack L is not crowded. When the processing of S406 is performed and the time interval of the sample rack L loaded into the sample loading unit 22 is smaller than the predetermined value, the three measurement units 41 need to always perform measurement, that is, the sample rack L is crowded. As a state of being out, the processing of S407 to S409 may be performed.

  In the above embodiment, how much the sample rack L is behind the position P4 on the transport path 231 of the sample delivery unit 23 is determined by the number of pulses applied to the stepping motor of the rack feeding mechanism 235. However, by installing a sensor in the sample delivery unit 23 and detecting the number of sample racks L accommodated on the transport path 231, it is determined how much the sample rack L is delayed. Anyway.

  In the above-described embodiment, the sample rack L sending interval by the rack sending mechanism 223 of the sample loading unit is used as the sending interval, but the sample rack L sending interval by the rack sending mechanism 237 of the sample sending unit 23 is used. May be. Further, the reading interval of the barcode label BL2 of the sample rack L by the barcode reading unit 233 or 238 may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the plurality of measurement units 41 can receive the sample rack L in S407 to S409, the sample rack L is transported to the measurement unit 41 on the downstream side. The sample rack L may be transported to the measurement unit 41 that can receive the rack L.

  In this case, for example, it is determined whether there is a sample rack L being measured or not measured on the rack transport unit 320 of the sample transport unit 3, and if there is no sample rack L being measured or not measured on the transport unit 320, The sample rack L can be received earlier.

  Furthermore, if there is a sample rack L being measured or not measured on the rack transport unit 320, the measurement unit 41 that completes the suction of all the sample containers T held in the sample rack L by the sample suction unit 413 earliest. The sample rack L can be received earlier. Whether the suction of all the sample containers T is completed earliest is determined by, for example, the number of unmeasured sample containers T. In addition, if there is a sample rack L being measured on the rack transport unit 320, the loading of all the sample containers T held in the sample rack L by the hand unit 411a of the measurement unit 41 is completed earliest. The measurement unit 41 can receive the sample rack L earlier. At this time, the sample rack L may be transported to the measurement unit 41 that can receive the sample rack L earlier than any of the other measurement units 41.

  In the second embodiment, the sample rack L is mixed in the section B in which the number of processed samples per hour is the maximum number of processed samples and the section A up to the section as shown in Monday in FIG. However, only the section B may be a time zone in which the sample racks L are crowded. Further, the section B and the predetermined time width before and after the section B may be a time zone in which the sample racks L are crowded. Further, when there are a plurality of sections in one day in which the number of processed samples per hour is the maximum number of samples, the section between these sections may be a time zone in which the sample racks L are crowded. Further, the operator may be able to set a time zone in which the sample racks L are crowded.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the measurement unit 41 mixes the sample accommodated in the sample container T and the reagent accommodated in the reagent containers 441-443 in the case of a measurement. For this reason, the number of measurements of the measurement unit 41 and the total reagent consumption of the measurement unit 41 are substantially proportional. Therefore, the determination of the measurement load of the measurement unit 41 based on the number of measurements of the measurement unit 41 and the determination based on the total reagent consumption of the measurement unit 41 are in an equivalent relationship. Therefore, it can be said that the number of times of measurement of claim 6 is substantially the same as the amount of consumption of the reagent, and includes other parameters that are equivalent to the amount of consumption of the reagent and the number of times of measurement.

In the above-described embodiment, the transport controller 7 receives the measurement order from the sample delivery unit 23 when receiving the rack ID of the sample rack L, the sample ID of the sample container T, and the holding position of the sample container T from the sample delivery unit 23. Made an inquiry. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the measurement order corresponding to the sample ID is stored in the storage unit 702b of the transport controller 7, and when the transport controller 7 receives the data from the sample delivery unit 23, the transport controller 7 receives the data. The measurement order corresponding to the sample ID may be read from the storage unit 702 b and transmitted to the sample delivery unit 23.

  In the above embodiment, the sample collection unit 21 is arranged on the right side of the sample input unit 22, but may be arranged on the left side of the sample transport unit 5. In this case, the sample rack L for which analysis or smear preparation has been completed is sent to the left side of the sample transport unit 5 along the transport line L2, and is recovered by the sample recovery unit 21.

  In the above-described embodiment, whether the transport controller 7 transports the sample rack L to the measurement unit 41 having the smallest number of measurements or to the acceptable measurement unit 41 based on the sending interval flag and the full flag. It was determined. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the transport controller 7 includes a display unit, and the control unit 702 of the transport controller 7 transports the display unit to the measurement unit 41 having the smallest number of measurements or receives the measurement unit 41 as an acceptable unit. A reception screen that accepts selection of whether to transport may be displayed so that the operator can select the transport method of the sample rack L via this reception screen. The reception screen may be a screen that can be set by selecting one of a mode that prioritizes the reduction of the measurement load on the measurement unit and a mode that prioritizes the quickness of measurement on the sample.

  In addition, the embodiment of the present invention can be variously modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

1 ... Sample analysis system (sample analyzer)
3 ... Sample transport unit (transport device)
7 ... Conveyance controller (control unit)
23 ... Sample delivery unit (rack delivery unit)
231 ... Conveyance path (container)
233, 238 ... Bar code reading unit (detection unit)
41 ... Measuring unit 310 ... Rack holder before analysis (receiving part)
L ... Sample rack T ... Sample container

Claims (14)

A plurality of measurement units for measuring a sample contained in a sample container;
A transport apparatus for distributing and transporting the sample rack holding the sample container to the plurality of measurement units;
A rack delivery unit that accepts the sample rack to be measured and delivers the accepted sample rack to a transport path of the transport device;
A storage unit that stores a cumulative measurement load that reflects the total number of measurements for each of the plurality of measurement units ; and
As a transport mode in the transport device, a first transport mode for transporting the sample rack to the measurement unit capable of receiving a next sample rack earlier than the other among the plurality of measurement units, and a plurality of the measurement units. out than other; and a second conveyance mode of conveying the specimen rack to the cumulative measured load is low the measuring unit,
A sample analyzer characterized by that. The sample analyzer according to claim 1,
A control unit for controlling the transport device;
The control unit sets the transport mode to the first transport mode when the sample racks received as measurement targets are crowded in the rack delivery unit, and the sample racks received as measurement targets are set to the racks. When not being crowded in the sending unit, the transport mode is set to the second transport mode;
A sample analyzer characterized by that. The sample analyzer according to claim 1,
A control unit for controlling the conveying device;
A display unit,
The control unit causes the display unit to display a selection screen for accepting selection of whether to set the transfer mode of the transfer device to the first transfer mode or the second transfer mode,
Based on the selection received via the selection screen, the transport mode of the transport device is set to the first transport mode or the second transport mode.
A sample analyzer characterized by that. A plurality of measurement units for measuring a sample contained in a sample container;
A transport apparatus for distributing and transporting the sample rack holding the sample container to the plurality of measurement units;
A rack delivery unit that accepts the sample rack to be measured and delivers the accepted sample rack to a transport path of the transport device;
A storage unit that stores a cumulative measurement load that reflects the total number of measurements for each of the plurality of measurement units;
A control unit for controlling the transport device,
The control unit performs control processing as follows:
A first determination process for determining, as a transport destination of the sample rack, the measurement unit that can accept the next sample rack earlier than the other among the plurality of measurement units;
A second determination process for determining, as a transport destination of the sample rack, the measurement unit having a lower cumulative measurement load than the others among the plurality of measurement units;
When the sample racks accepted as measurement targets are congested in the rack delivery unit, the first transport that transports the accepted sample racks to the measurement unit that has been transported by the first determination process Processing,
When the sample racks accepted as measurement targets are not crowded in the rack delivery unit, the second transport that transports the accepted sample racks to the measurement unit that has been transported by the second determination process Processing, including,
A sample analyzer characterized by that. The sample analyzer according to claim 4,
When the sample rack loaded in the sample analyzer is not larger than a reference delivery interval, the first transport process accepts the sample rack received as a measurement target. There as crowded in the rack delivery section, the measuring unit that is the transport destination by the first determination processing, to convey the sample rack that has been accepted,
A sample analyzer characterized by that. The sample analyzer according to claim 4 or 5,
The rack delivery unit includes an accommodation unit for accommodating the sample rack before being delivered to the transport path,
When the number of the sample racks accommodated in the accommodation unit is not smaller than a predetermined number, the first transport process is assumed that the sample racks received as measurement targets are crowded in the rack delivery unit. , Transporting the received sample rack to the measurement unit that has been transported by the first determination process,
When the number of the sample racks stored in the storage unit is smaller than a predetermined number, the second transport process is performed when the sample racks received as measurement targets are not crowded in the rack delivery unit. Transporting the received sample rack to the measurement unit that has been transported by the second determination process;
A sample analyzer characterized by that. The sample analyzer according to claim 5 or 6,
The rack delivery unit includes a detection unit for detecting identification information of the sample rack,
The detection interval by the detection unit is the sending interval.
A sample analyzer characterized by that. In the sample analyzer according to any one of claims 4 to 7,
The control unit performs control processing as follows:
Including a time zone acquisition process for acquiring a time zone in which the degree of congestion of the sample rack in the rack sending section is high,
When the current time is included in the time zone acquired in the time zone acquisition process, the second transport process is performed even when the sample racks received as measurement targets are not crowded in the rack delivery unit. Without being performed, the received sample rack is transported to the measurement unit that has been transported by the first determination process.
A sample analyzer characterized by that. In the sample analyzer according to any one of claims 4 to 8,
The plurality of measurement units each include a receiving unit that receives the sample rack transported by the transport device,
In the first determination process, the measurement unit in which the sample rack does not exist in the receiving unit is determined as a transport destination of the sample rack.
A sample analyzer characterized by that. The sample analyzer according to any one of claims 4 to 9,
The control unit performs control processing as follows:
For each of the plurality of measurement units, as the cumulative measurement load , including a measurement number acquisition process for acquiring the number of times the sample has been measured so far,
In the second determination process, the measurement unit having a smaller number of measurements than the other of the plurality of measurement units is determined as a transport destination of the sample rack.
A sample analyzer characterized by that. The sample analyzer according to any one of claims 4 to 9,
The control unit performs control processing as follows:
For each of the plurality of measurement units, including a transport rack number acquisition process for acquiring the number of sample racks transported to the measurement unit so far as the cumulative measurement load ,
In the second determination process, the measurement unit having a smaller number of sample racks than the others among the plurality of measurement units is determined as a transport destination of the sample rack.
Sample analyzer. A plurality of measurement units for measuring a sample contained in a sample container;
A transport apparatus for distributing and transporting the sample rack holding the sample container to the plurality of measurement units;
A rack delivery unit that accepts the sample rack to be measured and delivers the accepted sample rack to a transport path of the transport device;
A storage unit that stores a cumulative measurement load that reflects the total number of measurements for each of the plurality of measurement units;
A control unit for controlling the transport device,
The control unit performs control processing as follows:
A first determination process for determining, as a transport destination of the sample rack, the measurement unit that can accept the next sample rack earlier than the other among the plurality of measurement units;
A second determination process for determining, as a transport destination of the sample rack, the measurement unit having a lower cumulative measurement load than the others among the plurality of measurement units;
A time zone acquisition process for acquiring a time zone in which the degree of congestion of the sample rack in the rack sending section is high;
When the current time is included in the time zone acquired in the time zone acquisition process, the first rack that transports the accepted sample rack to the measurement unit that is the transport destination in the first determination process. Transport processing,
When the current time is not included in the time zone acquired in the time zone acquisition process, the second that transports the received sample rack to the measurement unit that is the transport destination in the second determination process Including transport processing,
A sample analyzer characterized by that. A sample rack transport method for distributing and transporting sample racks holding sample containers to a plurality of measurement units,
Store the cumulative measurement load reflecting the total number of measurements for each of the plurality of measurement units,
When the sample racks accepted as measurement targets are crowded in the transport waiting area, transport the sample racks to the measurement unit capable of accepting the next sample rack earlier than the other among the plurality of measurement units,
When the sample rack received as a measurement target is not crowded in the transport waiting area, the sample rack is transported to the measurement unit having a lower cumulative measurement load than the others among the plurality of measurement units.
A sample rack transport method characterized by the above. A sample rack transport method for distributing and transporting sample racks holding sample containers to a plurality of measurement units,
Store the cumulative measurement load reflecting the total number of measurements for each of the plurality of measurement units,
Obtaining a time zone during which the sample rack in the waiting area for transport becomes more crowded;
When the acquired time zone includes the current time, transport the received sample rack to the measurement unit capable of receiving the next sample rack earlier than the other of the plurality of measurement units,
When the acquired time zone does not include the current time, the received sample rack is transported to the measurement unit having a lower cumulative measurement load than the others among the plurality of measurement units.
A sample rack transport method characterized by the above.

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